Moving to a new home is always exciting, but according to research moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in your life. The costs of moving, from agent fees to movers, can really add to the stress. Save money with some savvy tips to take the horror out
Shop Around For The Right Finances
While you’re playing fantasy future homes, try and keep a sensible head on. While you’re scrolling through the property websites, only look at houses you can actually afford to avoid falling in love with a home you can’t afford. Check the energy rating of the home you’re thinking of buying to get an idea of what your bills might end up being.
Check if there are going to be any extra charges, such as agent’s or closing fees. If you’re going to need a loan to afford your new property, make sure you shop around for the best deal. Look at sites like Quantum Finance for a loan that you can afford to pay back when you’ve bought your home.
Be Your Own Movers
If you’re not moving many items, such as moving a student home from university, or only moving a few streets over, consider not booking a professional moving service. Instead, hire a van, bribe some strong friends with the promise of a favour owed, and do the moving yourself. Only attempt this for simple moves though to avoid damaging your furniture. If your move involves furniture like antiques or a piano, or difficult spaces like a tight staircase, bring in the professionals. You won’t save money if you have to replace your dining table after you’ve dropped it.
Don’t Automatically Redecorate
If you’ve moved into a property that needs some TLC in the decor department, don’t immediately spend a fortune to redecorate. Instead, you can cover old-fashioned wallpaper or grubby paint with a fresh coat of white paint very cheaply. This gives you a blank slate that you can live with, so you can decorate properly later.
You can even disguise out-dated kitchen cupboards with a coat of paint too, for a much cheaper alternative to a new kitchen. When your finances have recovered from the shock of moving, you can think about more extensive renovations.
Sell On Unwanted Items
As you pack, go through all your possessions, and clear out anything you don’t want or need anymore. Have a yard sale to earn back some money on things you don’t want anymore, or sell unwanted items online.
As an added bonus, if you own less stuff, it’ll take less time and space in the van, making your movers cheaper too.
Move At A Less Popular Time
Certain times of the year are more expensive to move house. During the summer, when the days are longer and less likely to be wet are more popular and are more expensive. Weekends, especially Saturdays, are more expensive too. If you can wait, move at a less popular time of year, or on a weekday. Even if you can’t take the day off to move during the week, a Sunday will save you a bit of money.
A little planning and common sense can make moving a much cheaper, and a much less stressful time.
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